Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having floated portions

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes portions having extended floated portions to distribute forces acting on the knitted component and resist stretching of the knitted component when the article of footwear is worn during a sport or athletic activity.

BACKGROUND

Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primaryelements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper and the solestructure, at least in part, define a foot-receiving chamber that may beaccessed by a user's foot through a foot-receiving opening.

The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void on theinterior of the footwear for receiving a foot in a comfortable andsecure manner. The upper member may secure the foot with respect to thesole member. The upper may extend around the ankle, over the instep andtoe areas of the foot. The upper may also extend along the medial andlateral sides of the foot as well as the heel of the foot. The upper maybe configured to protect the foot and provide ventilation, therebycooling the foot. Further, the upper may include additional material toprovide extra support in certain areas.

The sole structure is secured to a lower area of the upper, therebypositioned between the upper and the ground. The sole structure mayinclude a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymerfoam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessen stressesupon the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatoryactivities. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chamber,plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces,enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. The outsole issecured to a lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground-engagingportion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear-resistantmaterial, such as rubber. The sole structure may also include asockliner positioned within the void and proximal a lower surface of thefoot to enhance footwear comfort.

A variety of material elements (e.g. textiles, polymer foam, polymersheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally utilized inmanufacturing the upper. In athletic footwear, for example, the uppermay have multiple layers that each includes a variety of joined materialelements. As examples, the material elements may be selected to impartstretch-resistance, wear resistance, flexibility, air-permeability,compressibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking to different areas of theupper. In order to impart the different properties to different areas ofthe upper, material elements are often cut to desired shapes and thenjoined together, usually with stitching or adhesive bonding. Moreover,the material elements are often joined in layered configuration toimpart multiple properties to the same areas.

As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upperincreases, the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking,cutting, and joining the material elements may also increase. Wastematerial from cutting and stitching processes also accumulates to agreater degree as the number and type of material elements incorporatedinto the upper increases. Moreover, uppers with a greater number ofmaterial elements may be more difficult to recycle than uppers formedfrom fewer types and number of material elements. Further, multiplepieces that are stitched together may cause a greater concentration offorces in certain areas. The stitch junctions may transfer stress at anuneven rate relative to other parts of the article of footwear which maycause failure or discomfort. Additional material and stitch joints maylead to discomfort when worn. By decreasing the number of materialelements utilized in the upper, therefore, waste may be decreased whileincreasing the manufacturing efficiency, the comfort, performance, andthe recyclability of the upper.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a solestructure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component.The knitted component includes a first course and a second course. Thefirst course extends from a first area of the knitted component to asecond area of the knitted component along a first knitting direction.The first course includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loopand the second loop are separated by a plurality of loops. The secondcourse extends from the first area to the second area. The second courseincludes a first tuck stitch and a second tuck stitch. The first tuckstitch interacts with the first loop. The second tuck stitch interactswith the second loop. The second course includes a floated portion thatextends from the first tuck stitch to the second tuck stitch. Thefloated portion extends over the plurality of loops of the first course.And, the second course is configured to resist stretch in at least afirst portion of the upper.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper and a solestructure secured to the upper. The upper incorporates a knittedcomponent. The knitted component includes a stretch resistant areaformed of a plurality of courses. At least a first course incorporates afloated portion. A first loop being located at a first end of thefloated portion, a second loop being located at a second end of thefloated portion.

In another aspect, a method of making an article of footwear having anupper and a sole structure secured to the upper is disclosed. The upperincorporates a knitted component. The knitted component is formed byknitting a first course and a second course. The first course extendingfrom a first area of the knitted component to a second area of theknitted component along a first knitting direction. The first courseincluding a first loop located in the first area and a second looplocated in the second area. The first loop and the second loop beingseparated by a plurality of loops. The second course extending from thefirst area to the second area. The second course including a first tuckstitch and a second tuck stitch. The first tuck stitch interacting withthe first loop. The second tuck stitch interacting with the second loop.The second course including a floated portion extending from the firsttuck stitch to the second tuck stitch. The floated portion extendingover the plurality of loops of the first course. And, the second coursebeing configured to resist stretch in at least a first area of theupper.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear including varying knit structures;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an upper incorporating alarge floated portion and tuck stitches;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an upper incorporatingtuck stitches and large floated portions;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an upperincorporating tuck stitches and large floated portions;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an upperincorporating tuck stitches and large floated portions;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of footwearincorporating large floated portions;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear incorporating large floated portions;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear incorporating large floated portions;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a knitted componentincorporating large floated portions;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a knittedcomponent incorporating large floated portions;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a knittedcomponent incorporating large floated portions;

FIG. 13 is a view of an embodiment of a course incorporating a tuckstitch and large floated portions;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the course from FIG. 7 subjected to atensile force;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a course incorporatingmultiple loops;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the course from FIG. 9 subjected to atensile force;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an article offootwear incorporating multiple layers;

FIG. 18 is a top view of an embodiment of an article of footwearincorporating a large floated portion;

FIG. 19 is a representational view of an athlete standing with anenlarged cross-sectional view of a forefoot portion of an embodiment ofan article;

FIG. 20 depicts an athlete making a lateral maneuver with an enlargedcross-regional view of a forefoot portion of an embodiment of an articleof footwear;

FIG. 21 is a representational view of an athlete making a lateralmaneuver with an enlarged cross-regional view of a forefoot portion ofan embodiment of an article of footwear that incorporates tuck stitchesand large floated portions;

FIG. 22 illustrates a force acting on an embodiment of a knittedcomponent that incorporates tuck stitches and large floated portions;

FIG. 23 illustrates a force acting on an embodiment of a knittedcomponent that does not include tuck stitches and large floatedportions;

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary looping diagram incorporating tuck stitchesand a floated portion;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a knitting machine;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a knittedcomponent during an aspect of the knitting process;

FIG. 27 is looping diagram of the knitted component depicted in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a knittedcomponent during another aspect of the knitting process;

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of an exemplary process of a feeder passingyarn to the needles;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of an exemplary process of needlesintertwining the yarn with loops;

FIG. 31 is a looping diagram of the knitted component depicted in FIG.30;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of an exemplary process of a plurality ofneedles extending and accepting yarn from a feeder;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an exemplary process of needlesretracting and intertwining the yarn with the previous intermeshedloops;

FIG. 34 is a looping diagram of the knitted component depicted in FIG.33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety ofconcepts relating to knitted components and the manufacture of knittedcomponents. Although the knitted components may be utilized in a varietyof products, an article of footwear that incorporates one of the knittedcomponents is disclosed below as an example. In addition to footwear,the knitted components may be utilized in other types of apparel (e.g.,shirts, pants, socks, jackets, undergarments), athletic equipment (e.g.,golf bags, baseball and football gloves, soccer ball restrictionstructures), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery forfurniture (e.g., chairs, couches, car seats). The knitted components mayalso be utilized in bed coverings (e.g., sheets, blankets), tablecoverings, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes. The knittedcomponents may be utilized as technical textiles for industrialpurposes, including structures for automotive and aerospaceapplications, filter materials, medical textiles (e.g. bandages, swabs,implants), geotextiles for reinforcing embankments, agrotextiles forcrop protection, and industrial apparel that protects or insulatesagainst heat and radiation. Accordingly, the knitted components andother concepts disclosed herein may be incorporated into a variety ofproducts for both personal and industrial purposes.

Footwear Configuration

An article of footwear 100 is depicted in FIGS. 1-2 as including a solestructure 102 and an upper 104. Although article of footwear 100, alsoreferred to hereafter as simply article 100, is illustrated as having ageneral configuration suitable for running, concepts associated withfootwear may also be applied to a variety of other athletic footweartypes, including baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes,football shoes, tennis shoes, soccer shoes, training shoes, walkingshoes, and hiking boots, for example. The concepts may also be appliedto footwear types that are generally considered to be non-athletic,including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. Accordingly,the concepts disclosed with respect to footwear apply to a wide varietyof footwear types.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, article 100 may be divided into threegeneral regions: a forefoot region 10, a midfoot region 12, and a heelregion 14. Forefoot region 10 generally includes portions of article 100corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsalswith the phalanges. Midfoot region 12 generally includes portions ofarticle 100 corresponding with an arch area of the foot. Heel region 14generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including thecalcaneus bone. Article 100 also includes a lateral side 16 and a medialside 18, which extend through forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, andheel region 14, and correspond with opposite sides of footwear. Moreparticularly, lateral side 16 corresponds with an outside area of thefoot, and medial side 18 corresponds with an inside area of the foot(i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). Forefoot region10, midfoot region 12, heel region 14, lateral side 16, and medial side18 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear. Rather,forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, heel region 14, lateral side 16,and medial side 18 are intended to represent general areas of article100 to aid in the following discussion. In addition to article 100,forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, heel region 14, lateral side 16,and medial side 18 may also be applied to sole structure 102, upper 104,and individual elements thereof.

Further, reference may be made to directional descriptions.“Longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in theclaims refers to a direction extending the length of an article orcomponent or portions thereof. In some cases, the longitudinal directionmay extend from forefoot region 10 to heel region 14 or portions. Theterm “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in theclaims refers to a direction extending a width of an article or portionsthereof. In other words, the lateral direction may extend betweenlateral side 16 and medial side 18 of an article. Furthermore, the term“vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in theclaims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral andlongitudinal direction.

In an embodiment, sole structure 102 is secured to upper 104 and extendsbetween the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In someembodiments, the primary elements of sole structure 102 may include amidsole, an outsole, and a sockliner. In an exemplary embodiment, solestructure 102 may include an outsole. In an embodiment, outsole may besecured to a lower surface of upper 104. The outsole may also be securedto a base portion configured for securing sole structure 102 to upper104. Although the configuration for sole structure 102 provides anexample of a sole structure that may be used in connection with upper104, many other conventional or nonconventional configurations for solestructure 102 may be utilized. Accordingly, the features of solestructure 102, or any sole structure used with upper 104, may vary inother embodiments.

For example, in other embodiments, sole structure 102 may include amidsole and/or a sockliner. The midsole may be secured to a lowersurface of an upper and may be formed from a compressible polymer foamelement (e.g., a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuatesground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressedbetween the foot and the ground during walking, running, or otherambulatory activities. In other configurations, midsole may incorporateplates, moderators, fluid-filled chambers, lasting elements, or motioncontrol members that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, orinfluence the motions of the foot. In still other cases, the midsole maybe primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber that is located withinan upper and is positioned to extend under a lower surface of the footto enhance the comfort of article of footwear 100.

In some embodiments, upper 104 defines a void within article 100 forreceiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 102. The voidis shaped to accommodate a foot and extends along the lateral side ofthe foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the foot, around theheel, and under the foot. Access to the void is provided by an ankleopening 118 located in at least the heel region 14. The foot may beinserted into upper 104 through ankle opening 118 formed by collar 120.The foot may be withdrawn from upper 104 through ankle opening 118formed by collar 120. In some embodiments, an instep area 122 may extendforward from ankle opening 118 and collar 120 over an area correspondingto an instep of the foot in midfoot region 12 to the forefoot region 10.

In some embodiments, upper 104 may include a tongue portion 124. Tongueportion 124 may be disposed between lateral side 16 and medial side 18of upper 104 through the instep area 122. Tongue portion 124 may beintegrally attached to upper 104. In some embodiments, tongue portion124 may be formed of a unitary knit construction, which is defined infurther detail below, with portions of upper 104. Accordingly, upper 104may extend substantially continuously across instep area 122 betweenlateral side 16 and medial side 18. In some embodiments, tongue portion124 may be attached along lateral side 16 and medial side 18 of insteparea 122. In other embodiments, tongue portion 124 may be disconnectedalong the sides of instep area 122 allowing for tongue portion 124 to bemoveable between the sides of instep area 122.

A lace 126 may extend through various lace apertures 128 to enhance thecomfort of article 100. Lace 126 may allow for the wearer to modify thedimensions of upper 104 to accommodate proportions of the foot. In someembodiments, lace 126 may extend through lace apertures 128 that aredisposed along either side of instep area 122. In some embodiments, laceapertures 128 are integrally formed within upper 104. In someembodiments, an inlaid strand or tensile element may form lace aperture128. Lace 126 may permit the wearer to tighten upper 104 around thefoot. Lace 126 may also permit the wearer to loosen upper 104 tofacilitate entry and removal of the foot from the void. In addition,tongue portion 124 of upper 104 in instep area 122 extends under lace126 to enhance the comfort of article 100. In some embodiments, laceapertures 128 may be formed from another material. In furtherconfigurations, upper 104 may include additional elements, such as (a) aheel counter in heel region 14 that enhances stability, (b) a toe guardin forefoot region 10 that is formed of wear-resistant material, and (c)logos, trademarks, and placards with care instructions and materialinformation.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple materialelements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather,synthetic leather) that are joined through stitching or bonding, forexample. In contrast, in some embodiments, a majority of upper 104 isformed from a knitted component 130, which will be discussed in moredetail below. Knitted component 130 may, for example, be manufacturedthrough a flat knitting process and extends through one of more offorefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 along bothlateral side 16 and medial side 18. In some embodiments, knittedcomponent 130 forms substantially all of upper 104 including an exteriorsurface and a majority or a relatively large portion of an interiorsurface thereby defining a portion of the void within upper 104. In someembodiments, knitted component 130 may also extend under the foot. Inother embodiments, however, a Strobel sock or thin sole-shaped piece ofmaterial is secured to knitted component 130 to form a base portion ofupper 104 that extends under the foot for attachment with sole structure102.

Although seams may be present in knitted component 130, a majority ofknitted component 130 has a substantially seamless configuration.Moreover, knitted component 130 may be formed of unitary knitconstruction. As utilized herein, a knitted component (e.g., knittedcomponent 130) is defined as being formed of “unitary knit construction”when formed as a one-piece element through a knitting process. That is,the knitting process substantially forms the various features andstructures of knitted component 130 without the need for significantadditional manufacturing steps or processes. A unitary knit constructionmay be used to form a knitted component having structures or elementsthat include one or more courses of yarn, strands, or other knitmaterial that are joined such that the structures or elements include atleast one course in common (i.e., sharing a common yarn) and/or includecourses that are substantially continuous between each of the structuresor elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary knitconstruction is provided.

Knitted component 130 may incorporate various types of yarn that impartdifferent properties to separate areas of upper 104. That is, one areaof knitted component 130 may be formed from a first type of yarn thatimparts a first set of properties, and another area of knitted component130 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second setof properties. In this configuration, properties may vary throughoutupper 104 by selecting specific yarns for different areas of knittedcomponent 130. The properties that a particular type of yarn will impartto an area of knitted component 130 partially depend upon the materialsthat form the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. Cotton, forexample, provides a soft hand, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability.Elastane and stretch polyester each provide substantial stretch andrecovery, with stretch polyester also providing recyclability. Rayonprovides high luster and moisture absorption. Wool also provides highmoisture absorption, in addition to insulating properties andbiodegradability. Nylon is a durable and abrasion-resistant materialwith relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material thatalso provides relatively high durability. In addition to materials,other aspects of the yarns selected for knitted component 130 may affectthe properties of upper 104. For example, a yarn forming knittedcomponent 130 may be a monofilament yarn or a multifilament yarn. Theyarn may also include separate filaments that are each formed ofdifferent materials. In addition, the yarn may include filaments thatare each formed of two or more different materials, such as abicomponent yarn with filaments having a sheath-core configuration ortwo halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of twist andcrimping, as well as different deniers, may also affect the propertiesof upper 104. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and otheraspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties toseparate areas of upper 104.

Knitting direction, as discussed throughout the description and claims,refers to the orientation of interlooped yarns or strands forming acourse or row of loops that are being joined to successive coursesthrough a knitting process. The knitting direction may be generallydefined relative to the direction of the knit material being formedduring the knitting process. For example, during a flat knittingprocess, successive courses of interlooped yarns are joined together toform a knit element by manipulating a yarn through knitting a course orrow along a generally horizontal direction to increase the size of theknitted component along a generally vertical direction.

Reference may be made to courses which form the knitted component. A“technical course” is used to refer to a row of needle loops produced byadjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. Each technical courserefers to a pass of yarn along the knitting direction that interactswith at least one needle. In some embodiments, multiple technicalcourses may interact with one another to form a visual course. A “visualcourse” refers to a course as seen along the knitting direction. Theheight of a visual course is generally the same height as a needle loopwithin the visual course. A visual course may include multiple technicalcourses. For example, a visual course may include a first technicalcourse that is formed of multiple jersey loops and a second technicalcourse that is formed of tuck stitches and floated portions. The secondtechnical course may interact with the first technical course, however,the tuck stitches of the second technical course may not extend beyondthe height of the jersey loops of the first technical course. That is,the loops of the first technical course and the loops of the secondtechnical course may interact with the same needles at the same time.Therefore, the height or length of a knitted component that incorporatesthe first technical course may not increase by the addition of thesecond technical course.

In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may incorporate courses thatutilize differing stitch configurations. In some embodiments, knittedcomponent 130 may utilize jersey stitches. In other embodiments, knittedcomponent 130 may incorporate float stitches, tuck stitches, jacquardstitches, and other knit stitches.

In some embodiments, various stitches may be particularly located totake advantage of the properties of a particular stitch or loop. Forexample, a stretch resistant stitch may be located in an area of anarticle where stretch is undesirable, whereas a stitch that allows forstretch may be located in an area where stretch is desirable.Additionally, multiple stitches may be combined to achieve a particularproperty.

Referring to FIG. 1, the lateral side of an article of footwear isdepicted. Upper 104 of article 100 may be formed utilizing knittedcomponent 130. The technical aspects of knitted component 130 aredepicted in technical component 132 and technical component 134 for easeof description and discussion in relation to this Detailed Description.Technical component 132 and technical component 134 are used to depictthe technical placement and orientation of individual courses, however,when assembled, technical component 132 and technical component 134 mayappear as does knitted component 130. Additionally, it should berecognized that knitted component 130 may be located throughout any oneor more portions of upper 104.

In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may include various coursesconfigured to impart particular properties to upper 104 using thematerial properties of the courses. In some embodiments, the courses maybe formed of differing materials. For example, in some embodiments,knitted component 130 may include courses formed of stretch-resistantmaterial. In other embodiments, knitted component 130 may includecourses formed of elastic material. In still further embodiments,knitted component 130 may include courses formed from both elasticmaterial and stretch-resistant material.

In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may include coursesconfigured to impart various properties to upper 104 through theconfiguration of the courses. In some embodiments, courses may beconfigured to resist stretch. In some embodiments, a tensile course maybe utilized to resist stretch. In some embodiments, a tensile course mayincorporate large floated portions to resist stretch in particular areasof upper 104. In this Detailed Description, a floated portion refers tothe piece of yarn or thread that joins one weft knitted loop or stitchto the next loop or stitch. Additionally, the tensile course mayincorporate tuck stitches, minimizing the length of material used toform the tensile course. In other embodiments, the tensile course mayincorporate a jersey loop.

As depicted, technical component 132 includes different stitches orloops in different areas of article 100. For example, referring totechnical course 150, jersey loops are used from the sole portion to alace portion of the upper. As shown, technical course 150 does notchange its configuration based on location within upper 104. Rather,technical course 150 uses jersey loops or stitches throughout the lengthof technical course 150. In contrast, technical tensile course 152utilizes different stitches depending on where in article 100 technicaltensile course 152 is located. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,technical tensile course 152 includes a large floated portion adjacentsole structure 102.

In some embodiments, courses may incorporate stitches or loops that arestretch resistant in an area of upper 104 that may experience highermagnitudes of force during use of article 100. In some embodiments, anarea of upper 104 adjacent to the sole structure 102 may experiencehigher magnitudes of force during use of article 100 as opposed to otherareas of article 100. As a user cuts or moves laterally, the foot of theuser may press against the portion of upper 104 adjacent sole structure102. In order to counteract the elevated levels of force in variouslocations within article 100, different configurations of stitches maybe utilized. As shown in FIG. 1, stretch resistant area 140 of upper 104is configured to resist stretch. In some embodiments, a jersey loop maybe utilized along with a large floated portion to counteract elevatedforces in this area. In other embodiments, a tuck stitch along with alarge floated portion may be utilized to counteract the elevated forcesthat this area of upper 104 may experience during use of article 100.Additionally, by utilizing particular stitches, a foot may be restrictedfrom movement within article 100, securing the foot in relation to thesole structure 102. As shown, technical tensile course 152 extends fromsole structure 102 to instep area 122 and lace apertures 128. Technicaltensile course 152 of knitted component 130 extends along the stretchresistant area 140 of upper 104 from a lower area 142 to an upper area144. Adjacent sole structure 102 is lower area 142. Technical tensilecourse 152 utilizes a tuck stitch 160 in lower area 142. As technicaltensile course 152 extends from lower area 142 to upper area 144,technical tensile course 152 utilizes a large floated portion 162. Atupper area 144, technical tensile course 152 again utilizes another tuckstitch 164. Tuck stitch 160 and tuck stitch 164 may be used to securelarge floated portion 162 of technical tensile course 152. In otherembodiments, other types of loops such as jersey loops may be utilized.Detailed aspects relating to tuck stitches and floated portions will bediscussed in detail later in the Detailed Description.

Although stretch resistant area 140 of upper 104 appears to bedemarcated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments the stretch resistant area 140of upper 104 may not be visually different than other areas of upper104. In other embodiments, the stretch resistant area 140 of upper 104may be demarcated indicating the location of stretch-resistant material.In other embodiments, the knit structure of stretch resistant area 140of upper 104 may alter the appearance of stretch resistant area 140 suchthat when viewed, stretch resistant area 140 of upper 104 may bevisually different than other areas of article 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, a lateral side view of article 100 is depicted.Additionally, enlarged portions of knitted component 130 incorporatedinto upper 104 of article 100 are shown. Referring to the enlargedportion 200, a swatch of knitted component 130 incorporating a jerseyknit stitch is shown. It should be clear that although jersey stitch isshown throughout the Detailed Description, other stitches may beutilized.

Referring to enlarged portion 200, a jersey loop configuration isdepicted. As shown, course 202 interacts and interloops with the loopsof course 204. Both course 202 and course 204 are formed in a jerseyloop orientation. Additionally, each course within enlarged portion 200contributes to the width of the swatch.

Referring to enlarged portion 210, various stitches may be used to formenlarged portion 210. As shown, enlarged portion 210 includes at leasttwo different types of stitches. Additionally, enlarged portion 210 islocated in stretch resistant area 140 of upper 104. Enlarged portion 210includes jersey loops as well as tuck stitches in combination with largefloated portions. As shown, technical course 212 includes jersey loopsthat interact with jersey loops of technical course 214. In this manner,enlarged portion 210 is similar to enlarged portion 200. Additionally,floated portion 216 of technical tensile course 218 extends behindtechnical course 214. Tuck stitch 220 of technical tensile course 218extends along loop 222 of technical course 212. Tuck stitch 220therefore interacts with loop 224 of technical course 214 as well asloop 222 of technical course 212. In this manner, tuck stitch 220 doesnot increase the width of enlarged portion 210. Rather, tuck stitch 220extends either into an interior void of article 100 or extends outwardaway from the interior void of article 100. Tuck stitch 220 and floatedportion 216 therefore may add depth or thickness to enlarged portion210. In other embodiments, technical tensile course 218 may includejersey loops. In such embodiments, the jersey loops may contribute tothe width of enlarged portion 210.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic view of an upper incorporating aknitted component including jersey stitches, tuck stitches, and largefloated portions is depicted. Additionally, an enlarged portion of anupper is depicted that shows the interaction of various courses of theknitted component. Technical course 301, technical tensile course 302and technical course 303 extend from medial side 18 to lateral side 16.Technical course 301 and technical course 303 depict jersey loopstructures over the length of technical course 301 and technical course303. Although depicted with few loops, it should be recognized that thenumber of loops in technical course 301 and in technical course 303 maybe greater than the number of loops represented in FIG. 3. For example,technical course 301 and technical course 303 each may incorporatebetween ten loops and fifty or seventy-five or one hundred loops ormore. Technical course 301 and technical course 303 of the knittedcomponent incorporated into upper 300 extend generally across a vampportion of upper 300.

Referring to upper 300, different locations of the knitted componentincorporated into upper 300 may include large floated portions.Technical tensile course 302 of the knitted component extends generallyacross the vamp portion of upper 300. Technical tensile course 302,however, does not interact with technical course 301 and technicalcourse 303 in the same way that technical course 301 and technicalcourse 303 interact with each other. In some embodiments, technicaltensile course 302 may include a tuck stitch located near perimeter edge304 along medial side 18. The tuck stitch may be used to securetechnical tensile course 302 from translating or slipping within theknitted component incorporated into upper 300. As shown, tuck stitch 320is oriented to interact with loop 321 of technical course 301.Additionally, tuck stitch 320 may be layered or plaited with loop 322 oftechnical course 303. An enlarged view of the junction of tuck stitch320 is depicted in enlarged portion 350. In other embodiments, technicaltensile course 302 may include jersey loops. In such embodiments,technical tensile course 302 may interact with technical course 301 andtechnical course 303 in the same or similar manner that technical course301 and technical course 303 interact with one another.

Technical course 303 as depicted includes multiple loops. Each of theloops interacts with loops of technical course 301. Loop 322 includes afoot 331, leg 332, head 333, leg 334, and foot 335. Leg 332 extends overfoot 361 of loop 321. Head 333 extends behind leg 362 of loop 321, andadditionally extends behind leg 363 of loop 321. Leg 334 of loop 322extends over foot 364. In this manner loop 322 is interlooped with loop321. Additionally, the strand that forms loop 322 extends from loop 322to an additional loop 390 within technical course 303. This area isreferred to as floated loop 374.

In some embodiments, a separate course may be interlooped betweentechnical course 303 and technical course 301. In some embodiments, thecourse may interact with various loops in each of technical course 303and technical course 301. In some embodiments, the separate course mayinterloop with particular loops of technical course 301 and technicalcourse 303. As shown, tuck stitch 320 interloops with loop 321. Tuckstitch 320 may be visibly different than both loop 321 and loop 322.Tuck stitch 320, however, largely follows the same path as does loop322. That is, leg 351 of tuck stitch 320 extends over foot 361 of loop321. Additionally, head 352 passes behind leg 362 and leg 363 of loop321. Further, leg 353 extends over foot 364 of loop 321. In this sense,tuck stitch 320 largely follows the path of loop 322. The floatedportion of tuck stitch 320, however, does not extend toward animmediately adjacent loop. Rather, floated portion 329 extends behindloop 390 toward another tuck loop. Additionally, in contrast to loop 321and loop 322, the legs of tuck stitch 320 do not intertwine with anotherloop. For example, loop 321 interloops with loop 322. Head 333 and leg332 and leg 334 of loop 322 restrict the motion of loop 321 by limitingthe movement of leg 362 and leg 363. In contrast, tuck stitch 320 is notinterlooped with another loop that limits the motion of leg 351 and leg353. This configuration is referred to as a tuck stitch. In otherembodiments, a jersey loop may be incorporated on either side of floatedportion 329 in contrast to the depiction of FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, the floated portion located in the tensile coursemay span or extend along many wales of the knitted component. “Wales” asused in this Detailed Description refers to the columns of loops thatmay extend along multiple courses. Wales extend perpendicular to theknitting direction. “Courses” refers to rows of loops formed from astrand that extend along the knitting direction. Additionally, someembodiments may refer to needles to discuss the width dimension. Forexample, a floated portion may extend over multiple needles of aknitting machine which may be holding loops. In other embodiments, theneedles may not be holding loops. The distance that a floated portionextends through the knitted component may therefore be referred to as aneedle width, measured in reference to the number of needles on theneedle bed of the knitting machine, or needle, or may also be referredto in terms of number of wales of the knitted component. In someembodiments wales and needle widths may be interchangeable. However, inhalf-gauge configurations, a needle width of forty may correspond to asmaller distance than forty wales. That is because “wales” refers to theloops formed from the needles that may be altered, while “needle widths”refers to the width of needles that are located on a knitting machine.Reference may be made to various portions of courses extending overwales or needles in this Detailed Description.

In some embodiments, floated portion 329 may extend along technicalcourse 303 passing multiple wales or needles while not interacting withloops of either technical course 301 or loops of technical course 303.In some embodiments, floated portion 329 may extend past ten wales. Inother embodiments, floated portion 329 may extend past twenty wales. Instill further embodiments, floated portion 329 may extend pastseventy-five wales. In other embodiments, floated portion 329 may extendpast a number of wales between about ten wales and about seventy-fivewales.

In some embodiments, floated portion 329 may pass from one side of upper300 to the other side of upper 300. By varying the length of floatedportion 329, particularized stretch resistance may be achieved. Forexample, a floated portion that extends past ten wales may providestretch resistance in a particularized area of a knitted component,while allowing another area of the knitted component to have elasticity.A floated portion that extends past seventy-five wales may providestretch resistance over a greater portion of a knitted component. Inother embodiments, a floated portion may extend over a portion of upper300. In some embodiments, a floated portion may extend from a solestructure to an instep area.

The size of a stretch resistant area of an upper having a knittedcomponent utilizing a tuck stitch and large floated portionconfiguration may correspond to the number of wales that a floatedportion extends past or the widths of the needles that the floatedportion extends past. For example, a floated portion that extends fromlateral side 16 to medial side 18 of an article may extend pastseventy-five wales. In contrast, a floated portion that extends fromlateral side 16 to a central portion of an article may pass a fewernumber of wales. Additionally, the size of a floated portion maycorrespond to the size and shape of the stretch resistant area. Forexample, an embodiment that includes a stretch resistant area associatedwith only a lateral side of an article may include a shorter or smallerfloated portion than an embodiment that includes a stretch resistantarea that extends from a lateral side to a medial side.

In some embodiments, technical tensile course 302 may include amechanism for securing the course in place. In some embodiments,technical tensile course 302 may include another tuck stitch on thelateral side 16 of upper 300. Tuck stitch 340 may be another tuck stitchthat is located on lateral side 16 of upper 300. Tuck stitch 340 mayassist in securing the orientation of technical tensile course 302 withrespect to technical course 301 and technical course 303 within theknitted component. Additionally, tuck stitch 340 may prevent technicaltensile course 302 from unraveling and may lock the orientation oftechnical tensile course 302 in place within the knitted component. Tuckstitch 340 may be intertwined and interlooped with loops of technicalcourse 301 and loops of technical course 303 in a similar manner asdepicted in enlarged portion 350. Tuck stitch 320 and tuck stitch 340may therefore secure technical tensile course 302 in place. Further,tuck stitch 320 and tuck stitch 340 may assist in securing floatedportion 329.

In some embodiments, technical tensile course 302 may be formed fromvarious materials. In some embodiments, technical tensile course 302 maybe formed from a stretch-resistant material. In some embodiments, thestretch-resistant material may have a high tensile strength. In someembodiments, the stretch-resistant material may comprise Kevlar, carbonfiber, or other materials.

Referring to upper 300, other areas of upper 300 may include portions ofknitted component having courses incorporating large floated portions incombination with jersey loop formations and stitches. In someembodiments, floated portions may extend from a first side of an upperto an interior edge 344. In some embodiments, interior edge 344 maydefine ankle opening 118. Additionally, interior edge 344 may define anarea encompassing a tongue portion of upper 300. In some embodiments,lace apertures 128 may be located adjacent interior edge 344. Forexample, technical course 381 extends from medial side 18 to interioredge 344. As depicted, technical course 381 includes a first tuck stitch382 adjacent perimeter edge 304. A second tuck stitch 384 is locatedadjacent interior edge 344. A floated portion 383 extends from firsttuck stitch 382 to second tuck stitch 384. In some embodiments, floatedportion 383 may not interloop with loops of adjacent technical course380. In some embodiments, a large floated portion such as floatedportion 383 may be used to control stretch in a midfoot area within anarticle of footwear.

Comparing floated portion 383 to floated portion 329, there is adifference in the length of floated portion 383 and floated portion 329.Floated portion 329 extends from medial side 18 to lateral side 16 ofarticle 300. In this configuration, floated portion 329 may resiststretch along floated portion 329 from medial side 18 to lateral side16. Floated portion 383, by comparison extends from medial side 18 tointerior edge 344. In this configuration floated portion 383 may resiststretch over a shorter distance. Additionally, floated portion 383extends past a fewer number of wales than does floated portion 329.Therefore, the length of the floated portions may be adjusted for aparticular stretch-resistant property in a particular area within anarticle.

In some embodiments, an article may include different areas of stretchresistance. In some embodiments, a first area or zone may be configuredto resist stretch and a second area may be configured to be moreflexible or stretchable than the first area. In some embodiments, thefirst area may incorporate large floated portions, and the second areamay incorporate a different combination of stitches and loops. Thus, insome embodiments, areas with floated portions can have higher stretchresistance than areas with stitches and loops. However, in someembodiments, the article can include an area with large floated portionsand other areas with stitches and loops, wherein both areassubstantially resist stretching.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first area may incorporate agreater number of floated portions than the second area causing theareas to have different stretch resistances from each other. In someembodiments, the first area may be more resistant to stretch than thesecond area due to the greater overall length of floated portions in thefirst area. Also, the stretch resistance of each area may be determinedby the orientation and placement of the floated portions throughout thefirst area and the second area.

In other embodiments, the area or distance encompassed by floatedportions in the first area may be larger than the area or distanceencompassed by floated portions in the second area. For example, in someembodiments, the first area may include a floated portion that extendsover ten needles widths. The second area may include two floatedportions that each extends over two needle widths. In thisconfiguration, the two floated portions of the second area extend over atotal of four needle widths. In this configuration, the floated portionof the first area that extends over ten needles widths encompasses agreater distance or area than the two floated portions that each extendsover two needle widths.

Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of an upper is depicted. Asshown, large floated portions extend from medial side 18 toward interioredge 444. Additionally, large floated portions extend from lateral side16 toward interior edge 444. This is similar to the configuration asdepicted in upper 300 in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, a tensile course may have varying configurations.In some embodiments, a tensile course may include a floated portion thatextends from one side of an upper to another side of the upper. In otherembodiments, the tensile course may include a floated portion thatextends partly across an upper, and also incorporates jersey loops orother loops. Various combinations of floated portions and other loopsmay be combined within the tensile course to achieve a particularstretch resistance in particular locations. By varying the type ofstitch or loop configuration within the tensile course, the propertiesof stretch resistance may be varied through each individual course. Byvarying the type of stitch, flexibility in design may be achievedbecause each strand need not have the same properties along each course.For example, a course may be stretch resistant in a first region, andelastic in a second region. Technical tensile course 401, for example,has various knit loop configurations as the strand that forms technicaltensile course 401 extends from medial side 18 to lateral side 16.

Upper 400 may be separated into regions in order to aid in thedescription of the components of upper 400. The regions are not meant tobe a precise demarcation; rather the regions are used for convenience isdescribing upper 400. Each course may be split into different regionsfor purposes of this discussion: medial region 410, central region 411and lateral region 412. Medial region 410 of technical tensile course401 may include a tuck stitch 421, a large floated portion 422, andanother tuck stitch 423. Central region 411 of technical tensile course401 may include a plurality of jersey loops as well as other loopconfigurations. Lateral region 412 of technical tensile course 401 maybe configured similarly to medial region 410.

As depicted, medial region 410 may be configured to resist stretch. Thecombination of tuck stitches and a large floated portion may allow forthis region of technical tensile course 401 to resist stretching.Referring to central region 411, jersey loops are utilized. Centralregion 411 may be therefore configured to allow for stretch.Additionally, lateral region 412 may be configured forstretch-resistance. As depicted, technical tensile course 401 thereforeincludes three regions with differing loop configurations to providedifferent levels of support and stretch-resistance to the knittedcomponent incorporated into upper 400. In this configuration stretch islimited along lateral side 16 and stretch is limited along medial side18. Additionally, a central portion of upper 400 may be configured tostretch to a greater degree than medial region 410 and lateral region412 when subjected to the same tensile force.

In some embodiments, the central region of the tensile course may bevaried in size. In some embodiments, central region 411 may be wide andencompass a greater percentage of technical tensile course 401. In suchembodiments, a greater portion of technical tensile course 401 may bestretchable. By varying the size of central region 411, the relativesizes of medial region 410 and lateral region 412 may be altered. Byincreasing the size of central region 411, the size of medial region 410and the size of lateral region 412 may be reduced. The smaller size ofmedial region 410 and lateral region 412 may form smaller areas ofstretch resistance in upper 400. In other embodiments, central region411 may be reduced. In such embodiments, medial region 410 and lateralregion 412 may be increased and form larger areas of stretch resistancein upper 400. By varying the relative size of different regions oftechnical tensile course 401 within upper 400, different levels ofstretch resistance may be located over different distances of a tensilecourse.

Additionally, by varying the length of floated portions within technicaltensile course 401, various stretch-resistant zones or areas may beformed. For example, floated portion 422 extends from medial side 18toward central region 411. In other embodiments, floated portion 422 mayextend into central region 411 and provide stretch resistant withincentral region 411. In other embodiments, floated portion 422 may extendover a fewer number of wales and provide stretch resistance over aportion of medial region 410. The size of each stretch-resistant areamay be configured by allowing floated portion 422 to pass over greateror fewer wales during the manufacturing process.

Referring to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of an upper incorporatinglarge floated portions is depicted. In this embodiment, multiple tensilecourses are incorporated into a vamp area of upper 500. As shown, upper500 includes technical course 501, technical tensile course 502,technical course 503, technical tensile course 504, technical course 505and technical tensile course 506. Technical course 501, technical course503 and technical course 505 are all configured using jersey loops frommedial side 18 across upper 500 to lateral side 16. Technical tensilecourse 502, technical tensile course 504, and technical tensile course506 incorporate tuck stitches and large floated portions. Some of thetensile courses also include jersey loops. Various configurations oftensile courses may be utilized in conjunction with one another in orderto achieve different stretch-resistant properties in different areas ofupper 500.

Upper 500 may be separated into regions in order to aid in thedescription of the components of upper 500. The regions are not meant tobe a precise demarcation; rather the regions are used for convenience isdescribing upper 500. Lateral region 512 may refer to an area located onthe lateral side of upper 500. Central region 511 refers to a middleportion of upper 500 that extends between lateral region 512 and medialregion 510. Medial region 510 refers to an area located on the medialside of upper 500.

Referring to technical tensile course 502 and technical tensile course504, each tensile course is configured in a similar manner as technicaltensile course 401 as depicted in FIG. 4. That is, technical tensilecourse 502 and technical tensile course 504 each include a tuck stitchadjacent medial side 18 of upper 500. A floated portion extends frommedial side 18 toward central region 511. Technical tensile course 502and technical tensile course 504 additionally include a second tuckstitch located adjacent central region 511. Technical tensile course 502includes jersey loops in central region 511. Technical tensile course502 additionally includes a tuck stitch adjacent lateral side 16. Afloated portion extends from the tuck stitch toward central region 511where another tuck stitch is located. The tuck stitch on either side oflateral region 512 may secure technical tensile course 502 in aparticular orientation with respect to other courses and upper 500.

Upper 500 may additionally incorporate a knitted component having othertensile courses arranged in different configurations. For example,technical tensile course 506 may include a different configuration oftuck stitches and floated portions than the configuration of technicaltensile course 504 and the configuration of technical tensile course502. As shown, technical tensile course 506 includes a tuck stitchadjacent to medial side 18. Another tuck stitch is located adjacent tolateral side 16. A larger floated portion extends from the first tuckstitch to the second tuck stitch when compared to the floated portionsof technical tensile course 502 and technical tensile course 504. Theconfiguration of technical tensile course 506 may provide greaterstretch resistance over the entire width of article 500 than comparedwith technical tensile course 502 and technical tensile course 504.

The configuration of upper 500 depicts the use of various configurationsof tensile courses within a single upper. By varying the configurationof tensile courses throughout a knitted component, different areas ofupper 500 may have different levels of stretch resistance. The tensilecourses can be configured to resist stretch within desired locations ofupper 500.

In some embodiments, technical tensile course 502, technical tensilecourse 504 and technical tensile course 506 may be formed from acontinuous strand. In other embodiments, the various tensile courses maybe formed from individual strands. For example, the strand that formstechnical tensile course 506 may extend out of article 500 and continueas technical tensile course 504. In other embodiments, each technicalcourse may be a separate strand.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of an upper incorporating aknitted component having a large floated portion is depicted. Upper 600may be separated into regions in order to aid in the description of thecomponents of upper 600. The regions are not meant to be a precisedemarcation; rather the regions are used for convenience is describingupper 600. Medial region 610 may refer to an area located on the medialside of upper 600. Central region 611 refers to a middle portion ofupper 600 that extends between medial region 610 and medial region 610.Lateral region 612 may refer to an area located on the lateral side ofupper 600.

In some embodiments, particular regions of upper 600 incorporating aknitted component may incorporate large floated portions to resiststretch. In some embodiments, the floated portion may extend from oneregion to another region. In other embodiments, the floated portion maybe formed in a single region. As depicted in FIG. 6, the knittedcomponent of upper 600 includes technical tensile course 602. Technicaltensile course 602 incorporates tuck stitch 620 adjacent to medial side18. Tensile course additionally includes tuck stitch 624 adjacentcentral region 611. Floated portion 622 extends between tuck stitch 620and tuck stitch 624. From central region 611 to lateral region 612,technical tensile course 602 is formed from jersey loops. In thisconfiguration, technical tensile course 602 may be configured to resiststretch in medial region 610 while allowing for other areas of upper 600to stretch to a greater degree.

The configuration of the knitted component incorporated into upper 600may be used to counteract typical forces that may be exerted throughoutupper 600 during use. Typical forces are forces that may occur in anarticle of footwear that is used for a particular purpose, for example,an article of footwear configured for a sport or other athleticactivity. The typical motions for a player or participant of a sport orathletic activity cause force to be exerted on an upper of the articlein certain areas. Typical forces may be forces that extend through anarticle as a foot presses against upper 600. The foot may stretch ordeform upper 600 as the foot extends into upper 600. By placing largefloated portions in particular locations in the knitted componentincorporated into the upper, the floated portions may be used tocounteract the forces from a foot and assist with securing the footwithin the article of footwear and resist deformation of upper 600.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, various articles of footwear are depicted thatincorporate different configurations of floated portions. Although eachof the articles depicted includes areas that do not show jersey loops,or other loops, it should be recognized that the floated portions ofeach of the articles may interact with adjacent loops as depicted in theprevious Figures. Referring particularly to FIG. 7, an article offootwear 50 is depicted incorporating large floated portions along alateral side 16. It should be recognized that although depicted alonglateral side 16, floated portions may be oriented along medial side 18or within other areas of article 50. Area 51 that incorporates the largefloated portions may be configured to resist stretch. Additionally, area52 may include a different knit structure than area 51. In someembodiments, area 52 may be configured to allow for greater stretch thanarea 51. In some embodiments, area 52 may include jersey loops or othervarious loops.

Referring to floated portion 53, floated portion 53 may extend from solestructure 54 to a joining area 55. Joining area 55 may represent thearea between area 51 that is configured for stretch resistance and area52 that is configured to be less stress resistant than area 51. In someembodiments, joining area 55 may have some of the characteristic of area51 and some of the characteristics of area 52. For example, in someembodiments, joining area 55 may incorporate portions of the floatedportions of area 51 as well as some portions of a jersey knit or otherknit configuration of area 52.

In some embodiments, floated portions of area 51 may be formed of asingle thread or yarn. For example, floated portion 53 may be formedfrom the same thread that is floated portion 56. In other embodiments,floated portion 53 and floated portion 56 may be formed from separateyarns or thread.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of an article thatincorporates a knitted component is depicted. In some embodiments, aportion of the knitted component may interact with laces of an articleof footwear. As depicted in FIG. 8, lace 126 extends through a loopformed by tensile strand 60. In some embodiments, tensile strand 60 maybe used to form floated portion and floated portion 62. In someembodiments, tensile strand 60 may extend from sole structure 63 towardan ankle opening or instep area.

In some embodiments, a portion of tensile strand 60 may extend away fromthe exterior surface of the knitted component. That is, in someembodiments, loop 64 may extend out of the surface of the knittedcomponent incorporated into article 65. In some embodiments, lace 126may extend through loop 64. In some embodiments, lace 126 may extendthrough multiple loops.

In some embodiments, a tensile strand may form a loop within the knittedcomponent. For example, loop 66 may be positioned within the knittedcomponent incorporated into article 65. In some embodiments, loop 66 mayextend around a lace aperture 67. In some embodiments, lace 126 may passthrough lace aperture 67.

In the configuration depicted in FIG. 8, loops form by tensile strandsmay assist in tightening and adjusting the fit and feel of article 65 aslace 126 is adjusted. As lace 126 is tightened, the tensile strand mayalso tighten and cause the upper of article 65 tighten.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, tensile courses may utilizespecific configurations. In some embodiments, tensile courses may bearranged such that junctions are not aligned with one another. Forexample, in some embodiments, adjacent tensile courses may be orientedsuch that the loops of adjacent tensile courses are not aligned witheach other. In some embodiments, as a floated portion extends overmultiple needle widths, the floated portion may move or slide along theknitted component. In some embodiments, the floated portions may be ableto be snagged or caught on an external item. In order to avoid thetensile courses from becoming snagged, additional loops may beintegrated into the floated portions to reduce the length of the floatedportions.

In some embodiments, the loops or tuck stitches that secure floatedportions may be specifically located within each tensile course. Whentensioned, tensile courses may extend a small amount around the area ofeach tensile course that includes a loop or tuck stitch. By varying thelocation of each of the tuck stitches or loops that are used to securetensile courses, the stretch resistance of the tensile courses may becontrolled. For example, referring to tensile course 70, tensile course70 includes a first tuck stitch 72 and a second tuck stitch 73. Locatedadjacent tensile course 70 is tensile course 71. Tensile course 71includes third tuck stitch 74, fourth tuck stitch 75, and fifth tuckstitch 76. As shown in FIG. 9, first tuck stitch 72 and second tuckstitch 73 are offset from third tuck stitch 74, fourth tuck stitch 75,and fifth tuck stitch 76. For example, first tuck stitch 72 may belocated in a first wale position. The wale position refers to the looplocation along the course with respect to the needles used to form eachloop. Fourth tuck stitch 75 may be located in a second wale positionthat is different than the first wale position. That is, the needle usedto form fourth tuck stitch 75 may be different than the needle used toform first tuck stitch 72. In this configuration, therefore, fourth tuckstitch 75 and first tuck stitch 72 may be offset from one another.

In this configuration, as tensile course 76 and tensile course 70 aresubjected to a force, each of the tensile courses may stretch or extendat different locations. By offsetting the loops or tuck stitches withineach tensile course, the areas when each tensile course may stretch maybe spread out. For example, there may not be a concentrated portion ofthe stretch-resistant area of the knitted component integrated intoarticle 77 that may stretch or extend. By varying the location of eachof the loops or tuck stitches, the stretch of the tensile courses may bemuted, less noticeable, or spread over a larger portion of thestretch-resistant area.

In some embodiments, a floated portion may be located adjacent to jerseyloops or other loops within the knitted component integrated intoarticle 77. For example, in some embodiments, a floated portion may notextend directly from a sole structure or direction across an article offootwear. Tensile course 78 includes a jersey loop portion 79, a floatedportion 80, and another jersey loop portion 81. As shown, floatedportion 80 does not extend directly from sole structure 82 andadditionally does not extend completely to the ankle opening of article77. In this configuration, floated portion 80 may resist stretch whilejersey loop portion 79 and jersey loop portion 81 may be morestretchable than floated portion 80. Additionally, other portions suchas jersey loop portion 79 and jersey loop portion 81 may be utilized tooffset the tuck stitches or other loops between adjacent tensile coursesor other courses. By utilizing the jersey loop portions in conjunctionwith floated portions, the areas of stretch within adjacent floatedportions may be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12 various configurations of tensile coursesincorporated into knitted components are depicted. In some embodiments,tensile courses may be oriented in order to counteract or direct forcesthat particular articles of footwear may experience during normal use.For example, a wearer participating in football may cut laterally duringnormal play such that particular forces may be exerted upon the upper ofan article of footwear. In other embodiments, an article used forplaying basketball may include tensile courses oriented at differentangles to counteract the forces that may be exerted upon the upperduring use. Additionally, an article designed for track or running mayinclude tensile courses oriented at other angles.

Referring to FIG. 10, tensile courses 91 of knitted component 90 mayangle around a vamp area of knitted component 90. In this embodiment,tensile courses 91 may be oriented to counteract particular lateral andvertical forces. Referring to FIG. 11, knitted component 92 includestensile courses 93 that are oriented differently than the tensilecourses of knitted component 90. In this depiction, tensile courses 93may be oriented at less of an angle than the tensile courses of knittedcomponent 90. The tensile courses may be orientated at various anglesdepending on the type of sport or activity the article is designed for.Referring to FIG. 12, knitted component 94 is depicted and includestensile courses 95. Knitted component 94 may be incorporated into anarticle that may be used for track or for running. As running does nottypically involve a cutting motion, tensile course 95 may extendlaterally.

The embodiments described herein can make use of any of the apparatus orstructures described in Meir, U.S. U.S. Pat. No. ______, filed as U.S.App. Ser. No. 14/445,835 on Jul. 29, 2014 and entitled “Article ofFootwear Incorporating an Upper with a Shifted Knit Structure,” theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16, various stitch configurations are depicted.Tensile technical tensile course 302 and technical course 301 from upper300 are depicted in isolation from other courses within upper 300.Technical tensile course 302 includes tuck stitch 320 and tuck stitch340. Floated portion 329 extends between and connects tuck stitch 320 totuck stitch 340. In contrast, technical course 301 includes a pluralityof loops 910. FIGS. 13-16 are used to demonstrate the relative length ofeach of the courses within upper 300.

Referring to FIG. 13, technical tensile course 302 is depicted inisolation from other courses of the knitted component incorporated intoupper 300. Technical tensile course 302 includes tuck stitch 320,floated portion 329 and tuck stitch 340. As technical tensile course 302is subjected to a tensile force 800, the length of technical tensilecourse 302 may extend. As depicted in FIG. 14, technical tensile course302 is fully expanded to the full length of the strand that formstechnical tensile course 302. In this configuration, tuck stitch 320 andtuck stitch 340 are flattened. The yarn or material from the tuckstitches extends the length of technical tensile course 302 a distance802.

It should be recognized that along with the physical and geometricconfiguration of technical tensile course 302, changing the materialproperties of the strand may contribute to the stretchability of eachcourse. For example, by using a stretchable material, tensile technicalcourse 302 may be able to extend a greater distance than distance 802.Unless otherwise specified in this Detailed Description, when discussingthe distance that a configuration may extend this Detailed Descriptionrelates to the physical or geometric configuration of structure ratherthan the material properties of the material used to form the structure.

Due to the geometric configuration of technical tensile course 302,floated portion 329 encompasses a large percentage of technical tensilecourse 302. Because floated portion 329 encompasses a large percentageof technical tensile course 302, when subjected to tension, technicaltensile course 302 does not extend by a large degree. Floated portion329 in a non-tensioned state is a generally straight area of technicaltensile course 302 that does not include additional loops. Therefore,when technical tensile course 302 is tensioned, floated portion 329 doesnot add to the length of technical tensile course 302. The extension oftechnical tensile course 302 to a flat linear course as depicted in FIG.14 is used as a representation to depict the amount of yarn used to formtechnical tensile course 302 in comparison to other courses. It shouldbe recognized that during use within an upper, technical tensile course302 may not fully extend to a completely linear configuration asdepicted in FIG. 14; rather, technical tensile course 302 may extend alesser amount than other courses that have different configurations. Forexample, technical tensile course 302 may extend a lesser amount thantechnical course 301 when subjected to an equal force.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, technical course 301 is depicted inisolation in a tensioned state and a non-tensioned state. In FIG. 15,technical course 301 is in a non-tensioned state. In contrast, in FIG.16, technical course 301 is subjected to a tensile force 1000. As shown,technical course 301 extends a distance 1002 when subjected to tensileforce 1000. As technical course 301 is subjected to tensile force 1000,the strand or material used to form plurality of loops 910 is flattenedand contributes to the length of technical course 301. Because there area large number of loops in technical course 301, the length of technicalcourse 301 may increase a large amount in comparison to technicaltensile course 302. For example, distance 1002 may be larger thandistance 802. When used in conjunction with other jersey loops, a courseof the configuration of technical course 301 may be relatively elastic.Technical tensile course 302, by contrast, uses a fewer number of loops.Therefore, technical tensile course 302 may form a course that isrelatively stretch resistance compared to technical course 301. Asdiscussed with relation to technical tensile course 302, tensile course301 may not completely flatten when incorporated into an upper asdepicted in FIG. 16; rather, the loops of technical course 301 maydiminish in size and contribute to the length of technical course 301.

In some embodiments, tensile courses may be used in conjunction withjersey loop courses. By using tensile courses in conjunction with jerseyloop courses, the stretch of the jersey loop courses may be controlledand limited. For example, by interacting and interlooping technicaltensile course 302 with technical course 301, the stretchability oftechnical course 301 may be limited. As interlooped technical tensilecourse 302 and technical course 301 are subjected to a tensile force,each may begin to extend. Because technical tensile course 302 mayextend a shorter distance than technical course 301, technical tensilecourse 302 may restrict technical course 301 from extending a largedistance. For example, the maximum distance that the combined course oftechnical course 301 and technical tensile course 302 may extend basedon the physical and geometric configuration of the combined course isdistance 802. The reason for this property is because technical tensilecourse 302 cannot draw on any additional loops beyond tuck stitch 320and tuck stitch 340 to extend the length of technical tensile course302. Although technical course 301 may be able to extend a greateramount in isolation, by interacting technical tensile course 302 withtensile course 301, the distance that tensile course 301 is able toextend may be limited by technical tensile course 302. In this manner,technical tensile courses may be used throughout an article or componentto limit stretch in particular areas.

Referring to FIG. 17, an alternate embodiment of an article of footwearis depicted. Article 1100 includes upper 1104 and sole structure 1102.Additionally article 1100 includes collar 1120, tongue 1124 and insteparea 1122. Further, article 1100 includes lace 1126 which may passthrough lace apertures 1128. Upper 1104 may be formed from knittedcomponent 1130. Knitted component 1130 may be formed in largely the samemanner as knitted component 130 discussed previously. Further, article1100 may include a stretch resistant area 1140. Stretch resistant area1140 may resist stretch in an area that may be predefined prior tocompletion of article 1100. For example, the structure of stretchresistant area 1140 may be formed during a knitting process during theformation of upper 1104.

In some embodiments, article 1100 may be formed using multiple layers.In some embodiments, the multiple layers may include knit structures. Asshown in FIG. 17, article 1100 includes two layers, interior layer 1160and exterior layer 1162 including knit structures.

In some embodiments, article 1100 may incorporate cross-stitching.“Cross-stitching” as discussed in this Detailed Description relates tostitching extending between layers of fabric. In some embodiments,cross-stitching may be utilized such that a first layer of fabric and asecond layer of fabric are spaced from one another. That is, in someembodiments, the thread used to form the cross-stitch may form a filleror spacer material between layers of fabric. In some embodiments, aspecific type of cross-stitching may be used. For example, in someembodiments, a cross tuck may be utilized. A cross tuck is a tuck loopthat extends from one knit layer to a second knit layer. The knit layersare connected by alternating tuck loops.

In some embodiments, multiple strands may be cross tucked betweendifferent layers. In other embodiments, a single strand may be crosstucked between different layers. As shown in FIG. 17, tensile strand1170 and tensile strand 1172 may be utilized to cross tuck betweeninterior layer 1160 and exterior layer 1162. Although tensile strand1170 and tensile strand 1172 are shown as two separate strands, itshould be recognized that in some embodiments, tensile strand 1170 andtensile strand 1172 may be formed from a single strand.

In some embodiments, each of tensile strand 1170 and tensile strand 1172may form loops between interior layer 1160 and exterior layer 1162. nsome embodiments, tensile strand 1170 and tensile strand 1172 may crossone another, depicted as an “X” shape in FIG. 17. In other embodiments,a single tensile strand may be utilized to connect interior layer 1160and exterior layer 1162.

In some embodiments, cross stitching may affect the thickness of knittedcomponent 1130. In some embodiments, thicker areas of knitted component1130 may be located in areas of article 1100 where additional padding orcushioning may be desired. For example, in some embodiments, knittedcomponent 1130 may be thicker in an area of upper 1104 that may rubagainst the ankle or top portion of a wearer. Thinner areas of upper1104 may be located in areas where padding may not be necessary. Forexample, in some embodiments, thinner areas may be located adjacent tosole structure 1102. In some embodiments, a thinner area may assist insecuring upper 1104 to sole structure 1102. In other embodiments,thicker and thinner areas may be arranged throughout article 1100 toallow for increased comfort in cushioning or for various designpurposes.

In some embodiments, the number of loops in a cross stitching area mayaffect the thickness of knitted component 1130. Referring to enlargedportion 1150, cross tuck area 1154 incorporates multiple tuck loops ascompared to cross tuck area 1156 of enlarged portion 1156. Therefore,thickness 1180 depicted in enlarged portion 1150 may be larger thanthickness 1182 of enlarged portion 1152. By varying the number of loopsin a cross tuck area, the thickness of the knitted component may bevaried.

In some embodiments, the elasticity of an article may be varied byincorporating a different number of loops within the cross stitchingarea. By varying the number of loops between interior layer 1160 andexterior layer 1162 the stretchabilty or elasticity of upper 1104 may bealtered. An area of article 1100 that incorporates fewer loops withinthe cross stitching area may be more stretch resistant than an area ofarticle 1100 that incorporates more loops. For example, referring toenlarged portion 1150, cross tuck area 1154 includes multiple tuckloops. By contrast, cross tuck area 1156 includes fewer tuck loops. Asshown in FIGS. 7-10 and discussed in the Detailed Description,incorporating fewer loops reduces the distance in which a strand mayextend. Further, by incorporating tuck loops rather than jersey loops,the distance that a strand may extend may be further limited compared toa cross stitch area incorporating a jersey loop.

Various configurations of cross-stitching may be utilized. For example,in some embodiments, a tuck loop may be utilized. In other embodiments,a jersey loop may be utilized. As depicted, various tuck loops are usedto connect an interior layer 1160 to an exterior layer 1162 of upper1104.

In some embodiments, the spacing of cross tucks may be varied within across tuck area. In some embodiments, the number of cross tucks mayincrease or decrease along knitted component 1130. Referring to enlargedportion 1150, cross tuck area 1154 includes first portion 1176 andsecond portion 1178. As depicted, first portion 1176 includes a greaternumber of cross tucks than does second portion 1178. In thisconfiguration, the thickness of first portion 1176 may be greater thanthe thickness of second portion 1178. Further, the cross tucks of secondportion 1178 are more spaced than the cross tucks of first portion 1176.The spacing of the cross tucks of second portion 1178 may assist inreducing the thickness of second portion 1178. Additionally, secondportion 1178 may be more stretch resistant than first portion 1176.Further, enlarged portion 1152 incorporates even fewer cross tucks thandoes first portion 1176 or first portion 1178. Therefore the thicknessof enlarged portion 1151 may be less than second portion 1178. Further,enlarged portion 1152 may be more stretch resistant than first portion1176 and second portion 1178. As such, the thickness and stretchresistance of an area of knitted component 1130 may be varied along alength or distance of upper 1104.

In some embodiments, the level of stretch resistance in an article maybe varied to accommodate different levels of force that an article mayexperience during use. In some embodiments, the stretch resistant of anarticle may be varied such that the transition from stretch resistant torelatively elastic may be a seamless or unnoticeable transition to awearer. In some embodiments, continuously varying the stretch resistancethroughout an article may increase comfort to a user.

Referring to FIGS. 18-22 an article is depicted under normal use.Referring to FIG. 18, the top view of an article of footwearincorporating large floated portions is depicted from a top view. Inthis depiction, article 1200 includes a knitted component havingtechnical tensile course 1201 and technical tensile course 1202. Asdepicted, the floated portions of technical tensile course 1201 andtechnical tensile course 1202 extend from medial side 18 to lateral side16 of the upper. As such, technical tensile course 1201 and technicaltensile course 1202 are configured to resist stretch laterally alongarticle 1100.

Referring to FIGS. 18-23, representative views of an article of footwearincluding an upper and a sole structure in use are depicted. FIG. 19depicts an athlete wearing an article 1200. As shown in FIGS. 19-21, acutaway of the forefoot portion of the article of footwear includes theforefoot portion of the foot of an athlete. Referring to FIG. 19, thefoot of an athlete may comfortable be located within article 1200. FIG.19 illustrates the athlete in a relaxed or non-moving state. Whilearticle 1200 may experience force on the sole structure 1304 in thisstate, minimal force may be exerted to portions of upper 1302 of article1200.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the athlete is shown performing a sport orathletic activity. In this embodiment, an athlete is shown performing atypical motion for soccer, in particular, making a cutting motion.During such a cutting motion, lateral force may be exerted alongportions of the upper of an article of footwear. As depicted in FIG. 20,article of footwear 1400 includes an upper 1404 that does not includeprovisions for distributing or reducing forces from a sport or athleticactivity. In this embodiment, upper 1404 of article of footwear 1400 mayincorporate a knitted component that does not include large floatedportions selectively located to correspond with areas of an article thatmay be subjected to typical forces with the athletic activities of theathlete wearing article of footwear 1200.

FIG. 20 shows a cutaway view of article of footwear 1400 when subjectedto a cutting motion by an athlete. As an athlete cuts laterally, forcesexerted by the foot of an athlete press against interior surface 1402 ofupper 1404. As depicted, upper 1404 may deform by a distance 1406 due tothe force exerted on upper 1404 by the foot of an athlete. In somecases, this configuration may cause less stability and traction betweenarticle 1400 and the ground. Further, an athlete may have less controldue to the deformation of article 1400.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear 1200. Aspreviously discussed, article 1200 includes a knitted component withlarge floated portions which may distribute forces through upper 1302.Additionally, the large floated portions may direct or distribute forcessuch that the stretch of upper 1302 may be limited in areasincorporating this structure. As depicted, article of footwear 1200 mayform a less elastic structure than article 1400. The foot, in this case,may press against interior surface 1506. In this case, however, upper1302 may better hold its shape than upper 1404 when subjected to asimilar force. The floated portions may limit the stretch of upper 1302and create channels or paths for the force to run along. The floatedportions therefore may accept or direct the forces, thereby reducing theamount of force that may act upon other courses of the knitted componentof upper 1302. The use of large floated portions may allow for betterstability and control in areas of upper 1302 of article 1200 than inarticle 1400.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a representative view of how forces may actupon courses within a knitted component. Article 1200 as depicted inFIG. 22 includes an upper incorporating a knitted component havingmultiple tensile courses that incorporate large floated portions. Aforce 1600 may be exerted laterally along the courses in the knittedcomponent in areas of upper 1302 of article 1200. As force 1600 actsupon the knitted component in areas of upper 1302 article 1200, upper1302 of article 1200 may deform a small amount. Force 1600 may cause thetuck stitches of technical tensile course 1201 and technical tensilecourse 1202 in the knitted component incorporated into upper 1302 toflatten and lengthen technical tensile course 1201 and technical tensilecourse 1202 as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. This action may lead to aslight deformation of the knitted component of upper 1302 of article1200. As shown, the steady state formation of article 1200 depicted as adotted line 1602, may be altered to the solid line of article 1200.

FIG. 22 depicts article 1400 including an upper 1404 incorporating aknitted component that does not utilize tensile courses or large floatedportions. Rather, the knitted component of article 1400 utilizes onlycourses formed of jersey loops. As depicted, a force 1700 is shownacting on the knitted component incorporated into upper 1404 in alateral direction. Because the knitted component incorporated into upper1404 does not incorporate tensile courses including large floatedportions, the knitted component of upper 1404 may deform or stretchlaterally. In comparison to article 1200 depicted in FIG. 22, article1400 may stretch to a greater degree. As depicted, upper 1404 of article1400 may extend from a steady state as depicted by dotted line 1702 tothe solid line of article 1400. The loops of each course in the knittedcomponent incorporated into upper 1404 may extend or flatten as depictedin FIGS. 15 and 16 and therefore the size and shape of the knittedcomponent incorporated into upper 1404 may deform accordingly.

The configuration of upper 1302 may result in reduced distortion oralteration of shape as compared to upper 1404. The knitted component inareas of upper 1302 of article 1200 includes large floated portionsparticularly located to distribute forces that may act upon upper 1302.The use of large floated portions in the knitted component in areas ofupper 1302 of article 1200 may increase performance and durability, aswell as increase a user's comfort and feel as compared to upper 1404.

Referring to FIG. 24, a looping diagram of a portion of a knittedcomponent is depicted. Looping diagram 1800 depicts three courses thatmay be used in the formation of a knitted component. As depicted,looping diagram 1800 includes technical course 1802, technical tensilecourse 1804 and technical course 1806. Arrow 1808 indicates the knittingdirection. That is, as shown, first technical course 1802 is formed.Technical tensile course 1804 is formed second and interacts withtechnical course 1802. Technical course 1806 is the final course formed.Technical course 1802 includes a plurality of jersey loops 1810. Each ofjersey loops 1810 interacts with needles 1820, depicted in loop diagram1800 as dots. As shown, every needle along technical course 1802interacts with technical course 1802. In other embodiments, some ofneedles 1820 may not interact with technical course 1802. Many differentconfigurations of needles and loops may be used to form technical course1802.

As shown in looping diagram 1800, jersey loops 1810 are formed on thefront needle bed of a knitting machine. The orientation of jersey loops1810 indicates that they are formed on the front needle bed. Locatingthe floated portion 1812 toward the top of the diagram and the headportion 1814 toward the bottom of the page indicates that technicalcourse 1802 is formed on the front bed of a knitting machine.Additionally, technical tensile course 1804 and technical course 1806are formed on the front needle bed.

Referring to technical tensile course 1804, the looping diagram notationfor technical tensile course 1804 includes a tuck stitch 1824. Thesymbol used to depict a tuck stitch is generally a partial triangle. Alarge floated portion 1826 extends between tuck stitch 1824 and tuckstitch 1834. As depicted, technical tensile course 1804 does notinteract with most of needles 1820. Rather, floated portion 1826 passesalong twelve of needles 1820 without interlooping with needles 1820.

Looping diagrams similar to looping diagram 1800 may be utilized informing a knitted component. Looping diagrams may serve as a consistentrepresentation of how a knitted component may be formed. Additionally,different variations of looping diagrams may be utilized throughout thisDetailed Description.

Knitting Machine Configuration

Although knitting may be performed by hand, commercial manufacturing ofknitted components is generally performed by knitting machines. Anexample of a knitting machine capable of producing a knitted component,including any of the embodiments of knitted components described herein,is depicted in FIG. 25. Knitting machine 1900 is configured as a v-bedflat knitting machine; however, other types of knitting machines may besuitable for construction of the knitted component. For example, aflatbed flat knitting machine may also be utilized in some instances.

In some embodiments, knitting machine 1900 may include two needle beds1902. In some cases, needle beds 1902 may be angled thereby forming av-bed. Each needle bed 1902 contains a plurality of individual needles1904 that lay on a common plane. That is, needles 1904 of one needle bed1902 lie in one plane while needles 1904 of the other needle bed 1802lie in a different plane. The first plane and second plane are angledsuch that the intersection of the planes extends along a majority of thewidth of the knitting machine 1900. As described in further detailbelow, needles 1904 may have a first position where they are retracted,a second position where they are extended, and a third position wherethey are partially extended. In the first position the needles arespaced from the intersection point. In the second position the needlesmay pass through the intersection point. In the third position theneedles are located between the first position and the second position.

A rail 1906 extends above and parallel to the intersection of needlebeds 1902. The rail may provide attachment points for feeder 1908. Thefeeder 1908 may supply yarn 1910 to needles 1904 in order for theneedles 1904 to manipulate yarn 1910. In addition, another feeder 1920may supply a second yarn 1922 to needles 1904 in order for needles 1904to manipulate yarn 1922. Due to the action of a carriage, feeder 1908may move along the rail 1906 and needle bed 1902, thereby supplying yarn1910 to needles 1904. Additionally, feeder 1920 may move along rail 1906and needle bed 1902, thereby supplying yarn 1922 to needles 1904. InFIG. 25, a yarn 1910 is provided to feeder 1908 by a spool 1912. Moreparticularly, yarn 1910 extends from spool 1912 to various yarn guides1914, a yarn take-back spring 1916 and a yarn tensioner 1918. The feeder1908 has the ability to supply a yarn that needles 1904 may manipulateto knit, tuck and float. Some machines may have multiple spools takeback springs, and tensioners such that feeder 1920 may receive yarn 1922and feeder 1908 may receive yarn 1910. The multiple yarns may beutilized in the knit structure.

The manner in which knitting machine 1900 operates to manufacture aknitted component will now be discussed in detail. Moreover, thefollowing discussion will demonstrate certain knit combinations as wellas gore creation.

FIGS. 26 through 31 depict a knit element in the process of beingmanufactured. FIG. 26 depicts a portion of knit element 2000. Feeder1908 passes yarn 1910 to accepting needles 1904 which may retract andextend to form knit element 2000. Additionally, feeder 1920 may passyarn 1922 to needles 1904 which may retract and extend to form knitelement 2000. Needles 1904 are shown in the retracted position. In thisposition needles 1904 accepted yarn 1910 and formed loops. For purposesof clarity, needles 1904 may include fewer needles than on a typicalknitting machine 1900. Needles 1904 may include: needle 2002, needle2004, needle 2006, and needle 2008.

Each of the individual needles within needles 1904 may include a hookportion 2010, arm 2012, and stem 2014. Yarn 1910 and yarn 1922 may passinto hook portion 2010 when arm 2012 is in an open position. Arm 2012may be considered in an open position when arm 2012 is pivoted away fromhook portion 2010. After a loop is formed using needles 1904, the loopmay be passed out of hook portion 2010 and onto stem 2014. Needles 1904may move into an extended position. As needles 1904 move, yarn 1910 andyarn 1922 may press against arm 2012, moving arm 2012 from a closedposition to an open position. The open position of arm 2012 allows theloop of yarn 1910 to travel out of hook portion 2010, over arm 2012 andonto stem 2014.

Additionally, in this configuration, knit element 2000 includes threetechnical courses. Knit element 2000 includes technical course 2050,technical tensile course 2052, and technical course 2054. In thisconfiguration, technical course 2050 and technical course 2054 may beformed using yarn 1910. Technical tensile course 2052, by contrast, maybe formed by using yarn 1922. As shown in FIG. 26, technical tensilecourse 2052 and technical course 2050 may be layered or plaited orotherwise combined such that technical tensile course 2052 and technicalcourse 2050 form a single visual course. Looping diagram 2100 of FIG. 27depicts the looping diagram in order to show the structure of knitelement 2000 as depicted in FIG. 26 in an alternate display.

Referring to FIG. 27, the knit element of FIG. 26 is depicted in alooping diagram. Arrow 2102 indicates the knitting direction. Forexample, technical course 2050 may be knit first. Technical tensilecourse 2052 may be knit second and interact with technical course 2050.Technical course 2054 may be knit last in this configuration.

In FIG. 28, needle 2002 and needle 2008 partially extend while needle2004 and needle 2006 remain in the retracted position. In the partiallyextended positions of needle 2008 and needle 2002, yarn 1908 is notpassed off of needle 2008 and needle 2002. In this position, the loopson needle 2002 and needle 2002 move toward arm 2012; however the loopsformed by yarn 1908 are not passed off onto stem 2014.

In FIG. 29, feeder 1920 passes over partially extend needle 2002 andpartially extended needle 2008. Feeder 1920 deposits yarn 1922 into thehook portion of needle 2002 and needle 2008. In this configuration,needle 2002 and needle 2008 have not passed off loops formed by yarn1910.

FIG. 30 shows all needles 1904 in a retracted position. From FIG. 28,needle 2002 and needle 2008 retract. In this depiction, a fourthtechnical course, technical tensile course 2402 has been formed.

FIG. 31 depicts knit element 2000 of FIG. 30 in looping diagram 2500. Asdepicted, technical tensile course 2402 has been formed after technicalcourse 2054. Although knit element 2000 includes four technical coursesin this configuration, knit element 2000 may include two visual courses.Technical course 2050 and technical tensile course 2052 may interact asshown in FIG. 30 to appear as a single course. Likewise, technicalcourse 2054 and technical tensile course 2402 make interact andinterloop to appear as a single visual course. In this configurationtherefore, knit element 2000 may appear to include two visual courses.By varying the loops of each course, different visual effects may beutilized.

FIG. 32 depicts needles 2004 in an extended position in order to acceptyarn 1910 from feeder 1908. Needle 2002 and needle 2008 pass of loopsformed from yarn 1910 as well as loops formed from yarn 1922. Needle2004 and needle 2006 pass of yarn 1910. Needle 2004 and needle 2006,however, had not previously extended to accept yarn 1922, and thereforedo not pass off yarn 1922.

Referring to FIG. 33, needles 1904 retract and interact with yarn 1910and form an additional course 2702. In this configuration, knit element2000 now includes five technical courses, however, knit element 2000 mayappear to include three visual courses. Technical course 2050 andtechnical tensile course 2052 may appear as a single visual course.Technical course 2054 and technical tensile course 2402 may appear as asingle visual course. Additionally, technical course 2702 may appear asa single visual course.

FIG. 34 includes looping diagram 2800 that depicts knit element 2000 ofFIG. 33 in a looping diagram format. As depicted, technical course 2702is formed after technical tensile course 2402. Technical course 2702includes a loop at each needle location, in contrast to technicaltensile course 2402 and technical tensile course 2052. Although theplacement and layout of each of the courses in knit element 2000 aredisplayed as a pattern of tensile courses and other courses in similarconfigurations, it should be recognized that various configurations ofcourses and tensile courses may be utilized.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims. As used in the claims, any of when referencing theprevious claims is intended to mean (i) any one claim, or (ii) anycombination of two or more claims referenced.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear having an upper and a solestructure secured to the upper, the upper incorporating a knittedcomponent, the knitted component comprising: a first course extendingfrom a first area of the knitted component to a second area of theknitted component along a first knitting direction, the first courseincluding a first loop and a second loop, the first loop and the secondloop being separated by a plurality of loops, and a second courseextending from the first area to the second area, the second courseincluding a first tuck stitch and a second tuck stitch, the first tuckstitch interacting with the first loop, the second tuck stitchinteracting with the second loop, the second course including a floatedportion extending from the first tuck stitch to the second tuck stitch,the floated portion extending over the plurality of loops of the firstcourse; wherein the second course is configured to resist stretch in atleast a first portion of the upper.
 2. The article according to claim 1,wherein the first course is formed of a first material and the secondcourse is formed of a second material, the second material having ahigher tensile strength than the first material.
 3. The articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the floated portion extends over at leastten loops of the first course.
 4. The article according to claim 1,wherein the first area is located on a lateral side of the knittedcomponent and the second area is located on a medial side of the knittedcomponent.
 5. The article according to claim 1, wherein the secondcourse further includes a third tuck stitch, the third tuck stitch beinglocated between the second tuck stitch and the sole structure, the thirdstitch interacting with one of the plurality of loops.
 6. The articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the third tuck stitch is located in acentral region of the knitted component.
 7. The article according toclaim 1, wherein the second course further includes a fourth tuckstitch, the fourth tuck stitch being located between the third tuckstitch and the sole structure, the fourth tuck stitch interacting withone of the plurality of loops.
 8. The article according to claim 1,wherein the fourth stitch is located adjacent the sole structure.
 9. Thearticle according to claim 1, wherein the second course includes aplurality of loops between the second tuck stitch and the third tuckstitch, the plurality of loops of the second course interacting with theplurality of loops of the first course.
 10. The article according toclaim 1, wherein the first tuck stitch is located adjacent to the solestructure.
 11. The article according to claim 1, wherein the second tuckstitch is located adjacent to the sole structure.
 12. The articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the knitted component includes a firstlayer and a second layer.
 13. The article according to claim 1, whereinthe second course incorporates a cross tuck that extends between thefirst layer and the second layer.
 14. An article of footwear having anupper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper incorporatinga knitted component, the knitted component comprising: a stretchresistant area formed of a plurality of courses, at least a first courseincorporating a floated portion; a first loop being located at a firstend of the floated portion, a second loop being located at a second endof the floated portion.
 15. The article according to claim 14, whereinthe first loop of the first course interacts with a third loop of asecond course and the second loop interacts with a fourth loop of thesecond course.
 16. The article according to claim 14, wherein the firstloop is a tuck loop.
 17. The article according to claim 14, wherein thestretch resistant area extends from a sole structure to an instep area.18. The article according to claim 14, wherein a second area is locatedadjacent to the stretch resistant area, the second area stretching agreater distance that the stretch resistant area when subjected to thesame magnitude of force.
 19. The article according to claim 14, whereina third course is located in the stretch resistant area, the thirdcourse including a fifth loop, the first loop being located at a firstwale position and the fifth loop being located at a second waleposition, the first wale position being different than the second waleposition.
 20. A method of making an article of footwear having an upperand a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper incorporating aknitted component, the knitted component formed by: knitting a firstcourse from a first area of the knitted component to a second area ofthe knitted component along a first knitting direction, the first courseincluding a first loop located in the first area and a second looplocated in the second area, the first loop and the second loop beingseparated by a plurality of loops, and knitting a second course from thefirst area to the second area, the second course including a first tuckstitch and a second tuck stitch, the first tuck stitch interacting withthe first loop, the second tuck stitch interacting with the second loop,the second course including a floated portion extending from the firsttuck stitch to the second tuck stitch, the floated portion extendingover the plurality of loops of the first course; wherein the secondcourse is configured to resist stretch in at least a first area of theupper.
 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprisingpositioning the first tuck stitch adjacent to the sole structure andpositioning the second tuck stitch adjacent to the sole structure.